This blog is divided into two sections. The first deals with experiences in rescue/placement of homeless cats and dogs. The latter focuses on the treatment of wildlife in our city parks, specifically, Canada geese. These birds have recently been targeted by government officials for a 2/3rds "reduction" in population. Thousands have been cruelly rounded up and gassed in NY over the past several years. This is an issue that cries out for address and is covered substantially in this blog.

About Me

"Enter all the information about yourself that you want others to know."
What do I want others to know about me? Interesting question.
The answer will be less complex and likely to be discovered in the
context of the blog.
One's self is found in one's writing and doings in life (I suppose) as
opposed to what one says about one's self.
For now (9-08) simply to update the picture. -- My beautiful dogs,
Tina, Chance and me.

Monday, December 16, 2013

No Rest For The Weary Canada Geese

On Ice -- Small flock of Canada geese brace themselves on the ice of Harlem Meer during recent snow storm.

Struggling to maintain tiny pool of open water on otherwise frozen lake.

Whipping snow causes geese and few mallards to hunker down. But, if geese have it rough in New York City during winter, it is nothing compared to upstate New York where bullets puncture the icy blue skies on nearly daily basis.

Because in a conversation with Martin Lowney, the New York State Director for USDA Wildlife Services, two years ago, he claimed that resident Canada geese from the states were "nesting" in the sub Arctic (because of egg addling conducted here) and "displacing" migratory geese, thus bringing down the latter's numbers.

.

Apparently, Lowney doesn't read outdoors columns or watch hunter videos. Or, it was just another lie heaped upon all the others in order to dismiss non-lethal population control of resident Canada geese (such as egg addling and Border Collie hazing) in favor of USDA WS conducted slaughters.

.

But, whether being blown away by conniving hunters or rounded up by WS and slaughtered, the fact is Canada geese (regardless of resident or migratory) never have an easy season.

.

Speaking of seasons, winter is not yet officially here, but don't tell that to the birds.

.

There was reason for all those migratory geese flying into and quickly departing the Jackie Onassis Reservoir for places south over these many weeks.

.

Temperatures in New York City have been mostly chilly this December and the other night, we had our first real snow storm.

.

It was good thing that we rescued the four domestic ducks at Harlem Meer last week, because the lake was entirely iced over the other night and most of it, covered in snow.